DENR-PENRO Capiz Nabs ‘Environmental Violators’

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Two individuals violating environmental laws were apprehended during a random surveillance operation conducted by the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) Capiz.

In Barangay Bailan, Pontevedra, Capiz, a top-down tricycle was intercepted carrying 1,000 pieces of Nipa shingles bound for President Roxas.

The shingles, valued at PHP 4,000, lacked the necessary transport documents.

The Monitoring and Enforcement Section (MES) of PENRO Capiz apprehended the vehicle at 12:57 p.m. on January 23, 2025.

Shortly after, at 1:18 p.m., another vehicle, bearing Plate No. VAW-355, was stopped in the same area. It was transporting 16 chairs made of Gmelina wood, en route to Maayon, with an estimated market value of PHP 9,600.

Both cases violated Section 77 of Presidential Decree 705 (Forestry Reform Code of the Philippines). The seized forest products and vehicles are now in the custody of PENRO Capiz for legal action.

PENR Officer Ernest C. Federiso emphasized the office’s commitment to enforcing environmental laws and cracking down on illegal transport activities.

“We commend Capiz PENR Officer Ernest C. Federiso and the Capiz MES personnel for bravely enforcing our environmental laws,” said DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Raul L. Lorilla. “It may be a small win, yet it is still a victory for the environment.”

ILLEGAL LOGGING HALTED

In Barangay Sibariwan, Dumarao, Capiz, authorities confiscated 62 pieces of illegally cut Bayog lumber and five Kakawate posts, totaling 379 board feet and valued at PHP 15,144.

Local officials, led by Barangay Captain Querubin P. Pamplona Jr. and Kagawad Jonnel P. Porras, had conducted surveillance on the illegal logging activity before alerting the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-CENRO) Mambusao.

On January 20, 2025, CENRO Mambusao, with personnel from the Monitoring and Enforcement Section (MES), launched an operation in coordination with the Dumarao Municipal Police Station (MPS) and barangay officials.

Under the directive of Provincial Director PCOL Albert D. Tapulao of the Capiz Provincial Police Office (CPPO), PCPT Tobias S. Garfin and PLT John Paul A. Labtic led the police team in providing security.

During the operation, authorities also demolished a partially constructed house within the forestland area where illegal logging was taking place.

The DENR-CENRO Mambusao enforcement team was composed of Forest Technician Donnald Dalmacio, Forest Ranger Romeo Coronado, Forest Protection Officers Mike Zabala, Jimmy John Villasis, Antonino Estocada, and Jingkie Lapidez, along with MES staff members Razzel Jean Alim and Agustin Falle. The operation was led by Forester I Arlene Cobrado, MES Chief.

CENRO Mambusao expressed gratitude to the barangay officials and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for their collaboration.

“We, at DENR-CENRO Mambusao, are grateful for the active surveillance and cooperation of Barangay Sibariwan officials, led by Kapitan Pamplona Jr., as well as the support of the PNP. This teamwork enabled us to successfully apprehend the violators,” said Forester Gregoria Alenaje, CENR Officer of DENR-CENRO Mambusao.

The confiscated forest products are currently under the custody of Barangay Sibariwan officials for proper disposition in accordance with forestry laws, rules, and regulations.

“We commend the efforts of CENRO Mambusao and call on all Capiznons to remain vigilant in the fight against illegal tree cutting and land encroachment,” Lorilla said.

“After all, we want to leave behind a greener and more sustainable future for the next generations.”